constantly endeavoring to impress people with the idea that I am only
a child, and not capable of comprehending serious conversation. Let me
assure you that I have been highly entertained and edified by what you
have been saying."

Leon bowed gravely without a suspicion of a blush, or embarrassment of
manner, at thus receiving a compliment for the first time in his life
from the lips of beauty. He was very self-reliant, though never
obtrusively so. What he said was very simple.

"That you have been pleased to listen to me with attention, was
sufficient proof to me, Miss Dudley, that at least I was not trying
your patience too far by my speech."

"Come, Agnes, or we will miss that race, and whether you care or not,
I confess that I do."

Then adieux were made and Dr. Medjora accompanied his guests to the
door, where he paused a moment to say a word to the Judge, Leon having
remained behind.

"What do you think of the lad?" he asked.

"A promising pupil, Medjora," replied the Judge. "He has brains, an
uncommon endowment in these days. He is worth training. Do your best
with him."

"I will!" answered the Doctor.

As the carriage bore the Judge and Agnes towards the race-track, the
former asked his daughter this question.

"Agnes, what do you think of Mr. Grath?"

"He is bright," she replied, "but what he was saying impressed me from
the fact that he seems to have convinced himself of the correctness of
his theories, rather than from any argument which he offered, which
would satisfy another's mind. Nearly all of it I have read."

When the Doctor returned to the room, he found Leon looking at a book
on the table, whereas he had expected to see him at the window
watching the departing girl. Therefore he asked:

"What do you think of Miss Dudley?"

"Miss Dudley?" repeated Leon. "Oh! She has a face which one would not
easily forget. I met her once, some years ago, but only for a few
minutes. Long enough only to answer some question which she asked, yet
also long enough to impress her face upon my recollection indelibly.
But I suppose you mean the girl herself, and all I can say is, that I
should never form an opinion after an interview so brief. I would add,
however, that she seems to be intellectually superior to her sex."

He spoke entirely dispassionately, and Dr. Medjora said no more.

Madame Medjora had quietly left the room while Leon was expounding his
views to the Judge.

During the afternoon, th